What Is Machiavellianism? Signs, Examples, & How to Cope

What Is Machiavellianism?

Machiavellianism is a personality trait that involves self-promotion, emotional coldness, duplicity, and aggressiveness.² The trait was identified in 2002 by Delroy Paulhus and Kevin Williams, two Canadian personality psychologists. It is one of three personality types that make up the dark triad. It is important to distinguish that Machiavellism is not a diagnosable personality disorder but a cluster of personality traits.

Paulhus and William’s dark triad theory is often used in business management, clinical psychology, and law. Individuals scoring high in these factors are likely to initiate social distress, destabilize the organizational peace within the business setting, and commit crimes.⁹

History of Machiavellianism

The term “Machiavelli” was named after a 16th-century Italian politician, Niccolò Machiavelli, who acted as chief political advisor to the ruling Medici family in Florence, Italy. In 1513, Machiavelli wrote a book titled “The Prince,” highlighting tactics that encapsulate the Machiavellian personality. These traits include manipulation, lying, and flattery.¹

Machiavellianism Scale

Published in 1970 by psychologists Christie and Geis, The Mach-IV, or Machiavellianism Scale, is a psychological test created to help licensed mental health professionals identify Machiavelli-like behavior.³ The test consists of 20 questions, adding up to a total score of 100. These include (1) the use of deceit in interpersonal relationships, (2) a cynical view of human nature, and (3) a lack of morality.³

“High Machs” are characterized by high test scores in deceitfulness, cynicism, and manipulation. “Low Machs” are characterized by submissive, charming behavior. This is because a “Low Machs” individual is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Their behavior is calculated and deliberate for the purpose of pursuing their self-interested needs.⁴

Machiavellianism Personality Traits

Common traits of people with a Machiavellian personality include deceitfulness, cheating, manipulation, slyness, cunningness, and calculated intentions. Machiavellians are puppeteers, and non-Machiavellians are puppets. People who display a Machiavellian personality value self-interest, meaning they will operate with their needs in mind instead of yours.

Unlike narcissists, those with Machiavellian personalities lack the desire to be the center of attention but will work behind the scenes to pursue their end goals. Machiavellian traits appear in those who lack a sense of morality and disregard the well-being of others to achieve their own desires. They are charming at first, but over time, you will find yourself feeling mentally disoriented by their behavior.

Common traits of people with a Machiavellianism personality:

Few Emotional Attachments

A study done in 2012 found that Machiavellians display low emotional intelligence compared to the general population.⁵ Machiavellians believe that everybody works in their self-interest and operates according to that belief. This trait differs from narcissism and psychopathy because they’re uninterested in seeking power through grandiosity but use their cunning charm instead. Machiavellians plan their every move to get what they want. They do this through lying, cheating, and manipulation.

In particular, men and women with high levels of Machiavellianism prefer emotionally detached relationships and are often reluctant to commit.⁶ Individuals higher on Machiavellianism may not view relationships themselves as satisfying but engage in relationships to adhere to social norms or to manipulate relationship partners.⁷

Lack Empathy

Individuals who display Machiavellian characteristics struggle to identify their emotions. As a result, they cannot identify others’ emotional needs, leading to a lack of empathy and compassion. A study done in 2017 reported that those with High Mach tendencies are more likely to engage in emotionally abusive behaviors while in a relationship.⁸ Those who display High Mach-IV traits are more likely to be dismissive of emotion and display coldness, as well as high self-reliance and a lack of intimacy or commitment.

Obsessed With Power

Previous research has established that high Machiavellism is closely associated with a desire for power and dominance over others. If you are dealing with a Machiavellian, it is best to understand that their logic differs from social norms in that power is gained through a strategic game of cat and mouse rather than honesty and social-emotional intelligence.

Studies have also shown that those with high Machiavellian personalities are more likely to choose careers with high pay and status, such as economics and law. Because leadership roles offer more power, the position provides the opportunity to cause greater emotional damage.

Cynical View of Human Behavior

Individuals who engage in Machiavellian behavior are generally distrustful of others. They exhibit a cynical view of others and operate on the belief that “everyone is out to get them.” This is another reason they have very few emotional attachments. In addition, they perceive others as unpredictable and unreliable.

Machiavellian’s cynical view of humans is that people are fundamentally self-interested. This will play out in their relationships. For example, a Machiavellian boss will be uninterested in your needs, placing their importance above yours.

Engage in Inappropriate Social Behavior

Because those who display signs of Machiavellianism are often amoral or unconcerned with what is right and wrong, they may display signs of inappropriate behavior. Examples of this are lying for personal gain or seducing coworkers and subordinates into romantic relationships in the workplace. If you are disinterested, this may lead to workplace exploitation. They will seek out information to later blackmail you with it. And as mentioned before, they are dishonest and unconcerned with others’ emotions.

Signs of Machiavellianism

Outside of the Mach-IV test and psychological treatment, it can be difficult to spot signs of Machiavellism, especially considering how closely aligned they are with the dark triad personality traits. In addition to following your intuitive instinct, be on the lookout for characteristics, such as deceitfulness and lack of compassion, that can assist you in recognizing signs of Machiavellianism.

Someone with the Machiavellianism trait will have many of the following tendencies:

• Only focused on their own interests and ambition
• Prioritize money over relationships
• Exceptional deceitfulness
• Lack of compassion for others
• Lack moral compass
• Will display cynical beliefs about the world
• Use cunningness as a way to manipulate
• May be interested in being promoted to a leadership position
• Lack humility
• May always feel as though you are in competition instead of in cooperation
• Promote their own interests over others
• High rate of infidelity
• May seem detached or lack emotional involvement with others
• Indifference or ambivalent to morality
• Do not trust easily

Psychological Conditions Related to Machiavellianism

Common traits of Machiavallianism, such as an overall disregard for others and a lack of empathy, are overlapping characteristics of personality disorders. Machiavellianism is closely aligned with narcissistic personality disorder and anti-social personality disorder due to its pervasive negative effect on others.

Common psychological conditions related to Machiavellianism include:

• Antisocial personality disorder
• Narcissistic personality disorder
• Depression
• Alexithymia
• Anhedonia
• Anxiety

Treatment Options for Machiavellianism

There are several ways that Machiavellianism can be treated, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). A trauma-informed treatment approach can be especially beneficial due to its inherently non-judgemental nature.

Treatment options that target the Machiavelian trait include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a brief therapy treatment that works to change a person’s thoughts and behaviors in order to improve their mood or functioning. It is used to treat a range of problems, including anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulty. CBT treatment usually lasts about five months with 50-minute weekly sessions. A person with unwanted feelings linked to depression or anxiety can focus on changing their thoughts and behaviors to shift the way they feel. This may be helpful when working to examine ways in which one’s own beliefs have altered while interacting with someone who displays Machiavellian tendencies.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT ) is a type of therapy that focuses on behavioral changes associated with value-based living and mindfulness practice. ACT helps a person defuse negative thought patterns and identify ways in which they are living in a way that is misaligned with their core values. ACT can assist an individual in defusing negative thinking patterns and identifying which values they align with, therefore guiding them in making significant changes.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Attachment-based therapy will guide an individual through identifying and resolving past traumas and identifying where their core needs as a child may not have been met. As a result, this may help guide the person in understanding the relational patterns in their life and empower them to build healthier relationships.

How to Cope With Machiavellians

If you, or someone you know, is struggling to navigate a relationship that gravitates toward a Machiavellian nature, it is important first to seek professional help. You cannot change someone else’s behavior, but you can identify ways their behavior negatively impacts your well-being. In addition to weekly therapy, ensure you have a network of trusted friends to discuss your concerns.

If the behavior takes place within a workplace setting, it is advisable that you share your concerns with a personal trusted friend outside of your work environment. This is to ensure that your concerns will not be misconstrued within the organization you are working with.

Here are eight coping skills for dealing with Machiavellians:

1. Engage in Self-Care

Self-care looks different for everybody. It may be a nice hot bath before sleep, taking a long walk in the park, or going to the gym a few times a week. It could be snuggling up to a furry companion, calling up an old friend, or watching an old movie that evokes a feeling of joy or sadness. No matter the circumstances, self-care is vital to your overall well-being, especially when you find yourself in the throes of someone who displays a Machiavellian personality.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Dealing with someone who displays machiavellian personality traits can be difficult and confusing. It can lead you to doubt your own intentions. Because of this, it is important to establish clear and concise boundaries. Boundaries are for you, not others. Setting boundaries with someone who exhibits Machiavellian tendencies is vital to your mental health. This might look like refraining from discussing personal topics or only spending a limited amount of time with them.

3. Educate Yourself

Continue to educate yourself on the history of Machiavellianism to identify specific Machiavellian behaviors. Machiavellian behaviors are derived from Niccolo Machiavelli’s book, “The Prince,” so it may be beneficial to check out the book at your local library or bookstore. Knowledge is power. The more you understand the why behind certain behaviors, the better your mental health.

5. Seek Professional Help

If you have attempted to set boundaries to no avail, it is important to protect your mental health by booking an appointment with a trusted therapist. A mental health professional can assist you in identifying patterns of unhealthy behavior and encourage building positive relationships. Seeking a professional opinion will assist you in determining the best course of action.

6. Keep Track of Behaviors & Personality Traits

If you are unable to seek professional mental health support, keep track of specific behaviors that may strike you as odd. Machiavellians are expert manipulators, so if you are often confused or find yourself questioning someone’s authenticity, record these thoughts and behavioral actions. This way, you have concrete evidence of their behavior and an identifiable track record.

7. Avoid Sharing Personal Details

Machiavellianism is closely tied to an increased awareness of cynical worldviews and attempts at manipulation. It is important to consider the information you are sharing with someone who displays Machiavellian personality traits. Because of their exploitative nature, it is uncertain how personal information may be used against you, especially in a workplace setting or intimate relationship. Be wary of what information you choose to share and how it may be perceived.

8. Learn Emotional Regulation Skills

Emotional regulation is a skill that is helpful when managing a relationship with a Machiavellian. You can learn to regulate your emotions through breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, exercise, and self-care practices. To regulate your emotions is to find a place in your mind that provides a sense of peace and relaxation, eliminating the desire to escape the intense emotion but instead accepting its presence, which will ultimately provide a sense of relief and comfort.

When to Seek Professional Help for Machiavellianism

If you believe you recognize signs of Machiavellism within yourself and you find it hard to connect and maintain healthy relationships, it may be time to talk to a mental health professional. Therapy can give you a deeper understanding of the harmful patterns you are stuck in and find an alternative, healthier way to interact with people.

Unfortunately, many people who have Machiavellian traits do not ever seek treatment. However, people who have been hurt by someone who displays Machiavellianism can seek therapy to learn how to protect themselves. If you suspect that someone in your life may have Machiavellian traits, therapy can help you recover from the emotional effects, distress, and confusion that come from that interpersonal harm.

You can use an online therapist directory to find a therapist in your area who specializes in CBT, ACT, or attachment therapy. Alternatively, online therapy services make therapy easily accessible within your own home.

In My Experience

In my experience, it is important to avoid diagnosis if you are not a licensed mental health professional. Oftentimes, we jump to pathologizing before seeking support. Please reach out to someone you trust or a reputable source before diagnosing yourself or someone else. It is also important to remember that Machiavellism is not a diagnosable disorder in the DSM-5; therefore, we can only identify certain traits and characteristics of someone’s personality.

In addition, psychologists have developed the “Light Triad,” which includes personality traits of those who display loving and benevolent traits. Even in the darkness, there is light.